Attleborough Travel Guide

Check out our comprehensive Attleborough travel guide, featuring top attractions, recommended restaurants, hotels, and activities for a memorable stay.


Introduction to Attleborough

Attleborough is a beautiful market town located in Norfolk, in the East of England. This charming town is known for its peaceful way of life and vibrant natural scenery. Attleborough boasts of cultural landmarks highlighting its history, as well as modern tourist attractions. This makes it an ideal destination for tourists looking for a relaxed but active holiday.

List of Places to Visit in Attleborough

Attleborough offers a diverse range of places to explore. Below are some of the top attractions to visit when in Attleborough:

Culturally Important Attractions - Museums and Historical Places

  • St. Mary’s Minster Church: A beautiful church built-in 1879. The church features awe-inspiring architecture, intricate details, and an impressive bell tower that you can climb.

  • Banham Zoo: a unique wildlife park that is home to over 2,000 animals. This zoo has multiple habitats ranging from the arctic tundra to the tropical rainforest that you can explore.

Natural Attractions of Attleborough - Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Mid-Norfolk Railway: a heritage steam railway that is over 130 years old. Enjoy a scenic ride on a vintage train that will take you from Dereham to Wymondham.

  • High Lodge Thetford Forest: a natural oasis perfect for a day out in nature. This forest has multiple walking trails, bike routes, and scenic picnic areas.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Attleborough

Attleborough’s serene natural landscapes are perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking and biking. Here are some beautiful routes to try:

  • The Peddar’s Way: This popular walking route runs from the Suffolk coast to the Norfolk coast, where you’ll pass through breathtaking views, windmills, and Roman ruins.

  • The Marriott’s Way Cycle Route: This cycle route runs along 26 miles of old railway track. The trail starts in Aylsham and ends in Norwich, passing through Norfolk’s beautiful countryside.

Best Things to Do in Attleborough: Activities and Tours

Attleborough has a lot to offer tourists beyond sightseeing and outdoor activities. Here are a few unique experiences to try out:

  • Banham Barrel Racing: Barrel racing is a popular American rodeo sport that has made its way to Banham Zoo. Compete against your friends and family in a barrel racing competition.

  • Hollywood Bowl: catch a movie, play arcade games, and have some fun at Hollywood Bowl.

Week-Long Itinerary for Attleborough

Day 1 - Visit the St. Mary’s Minster Church, followed by lunch in the town center.

Day 2 - Explore Banham Zoo and try some barrel racing.

Day 3 - Hike the Marriott’s Way cycle route for a scenic bike ride.

Day 4 - Visit The Mid-Norfolk Railway for a heritage steam railway ride.

Day 5 - Go on a hot air balloon ride over the scenic Norfolk landscape.

Day 6 - Have some fun bowling and playing arcade games at Hollywood Bowl.

Day 7- Go on a horseback riding tour along Peddar’s Way for some unforgettable memories.

Food and Drink Scene of Attleborough

Attleborough boasts of a rich food culture that blends traditional and modern cuisine, perfect for food lovers. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Cromer Crab: A delicacy in Norfolk, this dish is a fresh and savory experience that seafood lovers have to try.

  • Norwich Lamb Seswaa: A classic African dish made with tender lamb, spices, and beans that is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Local Beverages

  • Woodfordes Wherry: A locally brewed beer with fruity and malted flavors sure to tickle your taste buds.

  • Norfolk Nip: A refreshing cocktail made with Norfolk-grown raspberries, vodka, and mint.

Where to Stay in Attleborough - Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Attleborough offers a wide range of accommodation options, with something to suit every budget and preference. Here are some fantastic places to consider:

  • The Griffin Inn: This elegant inn offers beautiful rooms and delicious locally sourced food. They also have a lovely garden area to relax in.

  • Best Western The George Hotel: This hotel is located in the town center, making it an excellent choice for tourists looking for convenience. They offer comfortable rooms and excellent amenities.

What to Buy in Attleborough - Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some souvenirs and local products to shop for when in Attleborough:

  • Woven tapestries: Authentic woven tapestries that are perfect for adding a touch of Norfolk’s cultural heritage to your home décor.

  • The Norfolk Sea Salt Company Salt: This company produces high-quality salt made from the north Norfolk coast. Ideal for cooking or adding an authentic Norfolk flavor to your food.

Local Culture and Customs of Attleborough

Norfolk is known for its colorful cultural events and festivals. Attleborough is no exception. Consider attending some of these events to experience the local culture:

  • The Attleborough Carnival: A popular event held every year in June. The carnival includes a procession, fairground, and live entertainment.

  • The Breckland Festival: A week-long celebration of Norfolk’s culture featuring music, exhibitions, and live performances.

Best Time to Visit Attleborough

The best time to visit Attleborough is during summer, between June and August. This time offers the warmest temperatures and the most prolonged sunlight hours, making it perfect for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Attleborough

Do:

  • Visit the historic St. Mary’s Minster Church.

  • Try local food and beverages like Cromer Crab, Norwich Lamb Seswaa, Woodfordes Wherry, and Norfolk Nip.

Don’t:

  • Stay indoors for the entire trip. Attleborough’s natural scenery is too beautiful to miss out on.

  • Litter in public spaces. Keep Attleborough clean and tidy.

Safety and Health

Safety in Attleborough

Attleborough is generally a safe place for tourists to visit, but as with any place tourists visit, care should be taken when exploring. It is essential to keep your valuables safe and be wary of any suspicious activity.

Health in Attleborough

Attleborough has excellent medical facilities with several health centers and hospitals to choose from.

Getting to Attleborough: Transportation Options and Logistics

Attleborough is accessible via several transportation options. Here are some of the most popular:

Airports Near Attleborough

  • Norwich airport: Located about 20 miles north of Attleborough, this airport offers both domestic and international flights.

  • London Stansted airport: Located approximately 80 miles south of Attleborough, this airport offers international flights.

Bus Stations Near Attleborough

  • Attleborough Bus Station: This bus station offers transport to and from different areas in Norfolk.

Other Options

  • Train: Attleborough has a train station that links it to cities like Norwich, Ely, and Cambridge.

  • Car rental: Various rental car companies are available in Attleborough, making it an excellent option for tourists looking for independence.

How to Get Around in Attleborough

Attleborough is small enough to be navigated on foot. You may also consider renting a bike or a car to explore the surrounding areas.

Where to Go Next from Attleborough: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Attleborough is close to several other exciting destinations ideal for day trips or extended stays. Here are some of the top destinations to consider:

  • Norwich: a historic city with a wealth of attractions, including Norwich Castle and Norwich Cathedral.

  • Thetford: a charming market town with lovely forest trails and beautiful gardens

  • Wymondham: a picturesque market town with a rich history dating back to the 12th century.

Conclusion

Attleborough is a gem of Norfolk that’s worth a visit. Whether you’re in the mood to explore cultural landmarks or relax in scenic surroundings, Attleborough has something for everyone. With this guide, you’re guaranteed to have the best experience in Attleborough, from finding the best accommodation to trying the local delicacies.

Attleborough Railway Station Attleborough Railway Station St Mary's Church St Mary's Church Town Sign Town Sign Church Street Church Street